What’s Happening in San Diego in November 2026: Your Complete Guide

November in San Diego is never slow. San Diego November 2026 opens with Día de los Muertos and runs through film festivals, Veterans Day parades, and TwitchCon. The month finishes with Turkey Trots and a Julian Christmas tree lighting. Indeed, the month covers more ground than most expect. Here is your complete guide.

November Opens Strong: Día de los Muertos, Food and Wine, and Fleet Week

The first weekend of November arrives with cultural energy and community.

First, Día de los Muertos celebrations close out across multiple neighborhoods on November 1. Old Town San Diego hosts its community celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Old Globe holds its celebration in Balboa Park from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Barrio Logan’s celebration runs noon to 7 p.m. Additionally, the California Center for the Arts Día de los Muertos Festival runs in Escondido from 4 to 9 p.m.

Also on November 1, the Carlsbad Village Street Fair brings over 750 unique vendors to Downtown Carlsbad. Hours run 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It includes children’s rides, a food center, and an old-fashioned pancake breakfast. Furthermore, the Ramona Motorcycle Rally heads to 421 Aqua Lane in Ramona starting at 10 a.m.

Don’t forget to set your clocks back. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on November 1. Also, the Fall Back Festival Children’s Street Fair runs at 410 Island Ave. from noon to 4 p.m.

The San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival runs November 1 through 8. In fact, it gathers cross-border chefs, winemakers, founders, and global leaders in one of Southern California’s most distinctive culinary events. Moreover, San Diego Fleet Week runs November 1 through 15 with ship tours, live entertainment, and family activities across the region.

San Diego November 2026: Film, Art, and Community Events

Additionally, the first two weeks of November bring a full calendar of film, theater, and civic programming.

California’s General Election takes place on November 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters across the state decide on leaders, 14 propositions, and local measures. Meanwhile, the USA Pickleball National Championships continue at Barnes Tennis Center through November 8. The event represents the highest level of pickleball competition in the country.

The Coronado Island Film Festival runs November 4 through 8. It offers five days of film screenings, special guests, and signature events across Coronado. Also, the San Diego Asian Film Festival opens November 5 and runs through November 14. It showcases films centered on Asian and Asian American stories at locations across the city.

On November 7, Ride the Point takes cyclists through historic neighborhoods and scenic areas of San Diego. Some routes only open once a year. The ride departs Liberty Station at 7 a.m. Similarly, A Sublime Life Sobriety Festival brings a community-focused celebration to Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater in Oceanside. Hours run 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Holiday Theater Begins at The Old Globe

November also launches some of San Diego’s most beloved seasonal theater programming.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas opens November 4 at The Old Globe in Balboa Park. It runs through December 31 and is one of San Diego’s most cherished holiday traditions. Furthermore, the play “9 Circles” by Bill Cain begins its run at Light Box Theatre at Liberty Station. It plays Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. The run continues through November 22.

Veterans Day: San Diego Honors Its Military

San Diego November 2026 pauses on November 11 to recognize those who served.

The San Diego Veterans Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. in front of the County Administration Building. In fact, this year’s parade commemorates the 35th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm. It is one of the most meaningful community events of the month.

Also on November 11, the 7th Annual VetFest and Veterans Day Parade heads to American Legion Post 149 in Escondido. Expect entertainment, a parade, and local food. Additionally, the Mt. Soledad Veterans Day Celebration takes place at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. San Diego is home to one of the largest military populations in the country. Consequently, Veterans Day here carries a weight that few other cities match.

TwitchCon and the Start of Holiday Season

The second half of November delivers a major gaming event and the county’s first holiday celebrations.

TwitchCon arrives at the San Diego Convention Center November 13 through 15, opening at 10 a.m. each day. The event features gaming, networking, live esports, the Loot Cave, and skill-building panels. It draws tens of thousands of attendees from around the world. Furthermore, the Convention Center’s waterfront location makes it one of the strongest venues on the event circuit.

Santee kicks off the holiday season early. The Santee Holiday Lighting Celebration runs November 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Santee Trolley Square. The official tree lighting happens at 6:15 p.m. It features live music, face painting, and holiday photos.

Also, the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair takes over Coast Highway 101 on November 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 450 vendors line the downtown stretch, offering food, arts and crafts, children’s rides, and entertainment. In short, it is one of the best holiday kickoffs in the county.

Thanksgiving Weekend: Turkey Trots, Tree Lightings, and Gratitude

San Diego November 2026 finishes with one of the most community-driven stretches of the year.

Turkey Trots spread across the county on November 26. The O’side Turkey Trot starts at 7 a.m. at Oceanside Civic Center. Father Joe’s Run for Hope 5K starts at 7:15 a.m. at Balboa Park. Also, the North County Turkey Trot runs at 7:15 a.m. from 4S Ranch Sports Park. The Coronado Turkey Trot starts at 8 a.m. at Tidelands Park. Similarly, the Thankful Paws Turkey Trot at Rohr Park in Bonita starts at 8 a.m. and welcomes dogs on course.

The Black Mountain Turkey Burner heads out November 28 at 7:30 a.m. from Black Mountain Community Park for a scenic alternative.

Also on November 28, Julian hosts its Country Christmas Tree Lighting from noon to 7 p.m. in Downtown Julian. Expect a Christmas market, live music, the tree lighting ceremony, and a Santa Meet and Greet. It is one of the most charming holiday events in the county and well worth the drive.

Farmers Markets: Fresh All Month Long

San Diego County farmers markets run seven days a week throughout November. Saturday mornings bring the Little Italy Mercato, while Sunday mornings bring the Hillcrest and La Jolla markets. Additionally, indoor and covered markets make fresh produce easy to find even as temperatures cool. A full directory of locations, days, and hours is available at the San Diego County Farm Bureau.

November Is a Good Reminder of Why People Stay

In short, San Diego November 2026 shows exactly what this city delivers year after year. The cultural depth, the community events, and the outdoor access make November one of the best months to be here. The early holiday energy only adds to that. As a result, demand in the San Diego real estate market holds strong all year, not just in spring.

If November has you thinking about living here year-round, browse Melissa’s current featured listings across the county. For more local event guides, visit Melissa’s blog. To learn more about Melissa and her San Diego career, visit her About page.